Love Won't Save Me

Elena Jones and I became orphans on the same day.

Her parents are killed in a mass murder, and my father—the killer—is executed on the spot.

For a month straight, Harborfield's most notorious playboy waits outside the courthouse, intent on keeping Elena.

However, she throws his black card right back at him, like a headstrong heroine straight out of a movie. "The Mr. Carter I admire is refined and noble. How could he have a nephew like you? I'd rather starve than accept anything from a thug."

He lets out a sharp, amused laugh and crooks a finger at me. "A death row convict's daughter and a thug make a fitting pair. I'll back you. Are you willing?"

While clutching the ten-million-dollar IOU my father left behind, I nod without hesitation.

Later, he orders me to get into his uncle Daniel Carter's bed. "With all that sin on your shoulders, you're an even better match for him. That way, Elena will finally give up on him for good."

I looked at the drunken Ryan without saying a word.

Five years had passed, and everyone in Harborfield knew I was Ryan Carter's kept woman.

I graduated without a hitch and joined his company, all while mastering the etiquette of high society and perfecting every accomplishment expected of an heiress.

Ryan spent so much on me that even my hair gleamed with a rich, healthy shine.

People at the company often said Ryan was deeply devoted to me, grooming me as if I were his future wife.

Under his careful indulgence, my past became something no one dared to mention again.

But with Elena Jones' return, Ryan suddenly remembered exactly who I was.

When I stayed silent, he frowned, transferred another million to my account, and asked, "Is that enough? My uncle might have a fearsome reputation, but he's loyal. If he sleeps with you, he'll take responsibility. He's a good match. Don't tell me you plan on clinging to me forever."

Over the past five years, I had heard more than enough about Daniel Carter to know exactly what kind of man he was. Through sheer ruthlessness, he had secured the Carter family's grip on both Harborfield's high society and its criminal underworld. Only Elena still convinced herself he was the picture of refinement.

I quietly picked up the homemade carrot soup I had spent three hours making and held it to Ryan's lips. "Drink some first."

Just as he was about to speak, a ringtone cut through the air. It was a personal tone set for Elena.

Her delicate, tearful voice came through the phone. "Mr. Daniel won't see me. Can you help me?"

Ryan sobered up instantly. He got to his feet and began changing clothes. "I'll be right there."

Before walking out, he remembered our earlier conversation. With a careless swipe, he sent the soup bowl crashing over, caught my chin in his hand, and sneered, "What will it take for you to agree? Or maybe... you have feelings for me?"

He studied me for a moment, as if trying to confirm something, then gave a cold laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. You're the daughter of a murderer. All you care about is money. You don't even know what it means to like someone."

He slammed the door behind him and told the maids to lock it.

I calmly picked up my phone and used the money he had just transferred to pay off my father's final debt.

Now, my father's debts had been cleared.

Once I had repaid Ryan for everything he had done for me, I would leave this place for somewhere no one knew me and start a new life.

With that resolve, I began to pack, taking only the bare essentials. I left behind every gift Ryan had spent years picking out for me without a second glance.

By the following afternoon, after a day and night without food, the door was finally unlocked.

I was about to speak, but the sight of Elena standing in front of me stopped me cold.

Her eyes blazed with hatred as she ground out, "Nat, it's been years, and you've been living quite comfortably."

Ryan followed behind her, looking slightly uneasy.

"El's going to stay here. You'll move to the maid's quarters in the basement," he said.

I pushed my packed suitcase forward and said evenly, "No, I—"

Elena suddenly stepped forward, digging her nails deep into my arm. "Nat, have you forgotten who made me an orphan and left me drifting without a home?"

Ryan's expression darkened instantly. He barked at the butler, "What are you standing there for? Move her things downstairs!"

Elena patted his arm in a soothing gesture. "Don't be angry. Why not let her stay and take care of me? After all…"

Just as I was about to refuse, Elena fixed me with a cold, piercing stare. "You owe me."

The words I wanted to say caught in my throat.

Ryan interjected impatiently, "Why say so much to her? After raising her all these years, isn't it only right for her to look after you for a few days?"